the Char Dham Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage that takes devotees on a transformative journey through the lap of the majestic Himalayas. The Char Dham, comprising Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, holds immense significance in Hinduism, representing the abode of divine energies.
The journey commences at Yamunotri, where the Yamuna River is worshipped. Pilgrims trek through scenic landscapes, reaching the sacred Yamunotri temple, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and the enchanting Surya Kund.
Gangotri, the origin of the holy Ganges, follows, captivating travelers with its spiritual aura. The Gangotri temple stands as a testament to faith, nestled amidst stunning Himalayan vistas. Pilgrims often seek blessings at the revered Surya Kund and Divya Shila, enhancing the religious experience.
Kedarnath, perched at an elevation of 3,583 meters, welcomes devotees with the Kedarnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The trek to Kedarnath is both arduous and rewarding, offering breathtaking views of the Kedar range. The divine energy at Kedarnath is palpable, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
The final leg leads to Badrinath, a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Badrinath temple, with its distinct architecture, attracts pilgrims from across the globe. The sacred Tapt Kund and the majestic Neelkanth Peak add to the mystical charm of Badrinath.
Char Dham Yatra is not merely a physical journey; it’s a soul-stirring experience that blends spirituality with the mesmerizing landscapes of the Himalayas. Pilgrims often find solace in the rhythmic chants, the gushing rivers, and the pristine surroundings, creating memories that resonate with divinity. The yatra is a profound opportunity to connect with the spiritual roots and witness the unparalleled beauty of the Himalayan abode, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who undertake this sacred pilgrimage
Kedarnath Temple is located in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand state of India. Kedarnath Temple in 12th Jyotirlinga, in the lap of the Himalaya mountain in Uttarakhand, is also one of the four dham and Panch Kedar. This is the largest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand, which is built by adding huge boulders of cutlestones. These boulders are brown in color. The temple is made up of about 6 feet high. Its sanctum is ancient, which is considered to be around the 80th century. Kedarnath Dham and temple surrounded by mountains on three sides. On one side is Kedarnath, about 22 thousand feet high, on the other side is 21 thousand 600 feet high cost and on the other side is 22 thousand 700 feet high Bharatkund. Kedarnath Temple is not just three mountains but also the confluence of five rivers – Mandakini, Madhiganga, Kshiranga, Saraswati and Swarnagauri. Some of these rivers did not exist anymore, but Alaknanda’s assistant Mandakini is still present today.
According to the history of Kedarnath Dham, Shivling is located in Kedarnath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas. Only from the sight of Jayotirling, salvation from all sins is attained. Kedarneshwar Dham is situated on the banks of Kedarnath Temple. It is said that the history of Kedarnath temple, made of stone-made Katyrui style, was built by Janmayjaya of Pandav Dynasty. But it is also said that it was founded by Adiguru Shankaracharya. The priest of Kedarnath becomes the Jangal Brahmin of Mysore.
On the Kedar mountain of the Himalayas, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Mahapatva Nar and Narayan Rishi used to perform penance. Lord Shankar appeared pleased with his worship, and according to his prayer, he gave the bride to be eternally in the form of Jyotirlinga. This place is situated on Kardar, the Kedarnath mountain range of the Himalayas.
It is believed that when Pandav was victorious in the war of Mahabharata, Pandavas wanted to get rid of the sin of fraternity (the killing of family members). For this, he wanted to get the blessings of Lord Shiva. But Lord Shankar was angry with Pandavas. Pandavas went to Kashi for the visit of Lord Shankar, but Lord Shiva Pandu did not get there. Those people came to the Himalayas while searching for them. Lord Shankar did not want to see the Pandavas, so they went from there to Kedar and settled there. Pandav, on the other hand, was also strong enough to persevere, and he followed Kedar after him.
Kedarnath Temple is the largest Shiva temple in Uttarakhand. Which is made by adding large stone blocks of cutworms. The color of the boulder is brown, its sanctum is very old, which is considered to be around the 80th Century.
This Dham is the third leg of the Char Dham Yatra. The recognition of Kedarnath Temple is also that the person who travels to Badrinath without seeing Kedarnath. His journey becomes sterile (incomplete, meaningless). History of Kedarnath Dham along with the beliefs of Kedarnath Dham! Must read about it.
Many people have different stories about the construction of this temple. According to Rahul Sankrityan, this temple is 12-13 century. Historian Dr. Shiv Prasad Dabral believes that the Shaivites have been going to Kedarnath before the Adiguru Shankaracharya. It is believed that there is a pilgrimage in Kedarnath temple for 1000 years. It is also said that Pandavas had made the ancient temple of Kedareshwar Jyotirling. Later, Abhimanyu’s son Janmajaya had renovated it. But what is most famous is that this place was named after Kedar, who ruled in Satyuga.
Kedarnath in the mirror of the beliefs of Kedarnath Dham: According to Ling Purana, a person who resides in Kedarkkund, who retired, becomes a pariah. It is said in Karmapuran that all the sins are destroyed due to bathing in the holy place and pilgrimage to Kedarnath. It is said in the Param Purana that, “When Sun and Guru’s Planet is located on Aquarius, then Kedarnath’s philosophy and touch gives salvation”. In our eternal religion, there is a special Mahapurana, Skanda Purana, in which Kedarnath’s greatness has been told.
Regarding the Kedarnath temple, Shivpura has said that the pilgrims who come in Kedarnath. They get heaven and are also free from all their sins. Water of Kedarnath is highly religious, because the people say that if a person in the temple is water after his prayers. Then that person will get rid of all his sins.
The recognition of Kedarnath temple is that Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. “Jyotirling ” philosophy in Kedarnath Dham” has great recognition. About this place it is believed that Jyotirling’s philosophy is to be liberated from all sins.
If you are a devout Hindu, the Chardham yatra is of immense
importance. These four holy pilgrimage sites are opened for pilgrims only for a
brief six months, which commences from the month of April and May. The dates
are usually declared by the Char Dham temple committee, Kedar-Badri Mandir
Samiti before the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya. A highly auspicious day for the
Hindu community Akshaya Tritiya also known as Akha Teej is believed to bring
good luck.
It is said that, if Gold is bought on this day, it will never
fade away and would continue to grow.
The Yamunotri Temple and Gangotri Temple open on the day of
Akshaya Tritiya every year followed by the portal opening of Kedarnath Temple
and Badrinath Temple after a couple of days. Yamunotri and Kedarnath Dham close
on Yama Dwitiya/Bhai Dooj whereas the Gangotri Dham closes on the day of
Diwali. And the door of Badrinath temple closes on the day of Vijay Dashami.
It is recommended that the Chardham Yatra should be processed ina clockwise direction. Hence, the yatra is ideally started from Yamunotritowards Gangotri, thereafter to Kedarnath and ultimately concluding atBadrinath.
Snow Fall in Kedarnath Dham (Image Source:- Amar Ujala)
केदारनाथ, बद्रीनाथ, गंगोत्री और यमुनोत्री क्षेत्रों में जमकर हुई बर्फबारी, इस दौरान श्रद्धालुओं ने बर्फबारी का जमकर लुत्फ उठाया। बर्फबारी के कारण पुरे चार धाम सफेद चादर से ढक गए, इसके चलते श्रद्धालुओं को दर्शन करने में थोड़ी परेशानी का सामना करना पड़ा.
चार धाम के अलावा औली, चोपता, दयारा बुग्याल और डोडीताल, में जोरदार बर्फबारी हुई।
